I just returned from my 10th trip to Baja since pandemic and had the same feelings as when I wrote this letter over a year ago. I had been meaning to post it but never did so now is as good as ever. Originally published in ASTA Travel Advisor magazine Aug 2021) – link here
Dear Baja,
When everyone closed their borders to US travelers, you welcomed us. You brought me back to life July 2020, my first international trip since returning from Colombia in March, days before the world shut down. As a social extrovert with a travel business, I felt myself deteriorating in those months between where my days (and many nights) were spent processing cancellations, confined to a small condo in Southern California.
It was my first time visiting La Paz, two hours north of Cabo. I still can’t believe so many people haven’t been here! I never wanted to leave after floating in Balandra Bay with no one around. I snorkeled with sea lions, the puppies of the sea, and vowed to come back to get PADI advanced scuba certified. It’s something I had wanted to do since my first discovery dive in the Florida Keys when I was 19.
I organized my first group trip so I wouldn’t be alone to learn to breathe underwater. Our clan of fellow ocean lovers and wanderlusters grew and I ended up coming back to Baja a total of seven times, most visits spanning 2-3 weeks, including my birthday in Cabo with some of my closest friends. Even when other destinations started opening, a love for your deserts, mountains, and the sea kept pulling me back.
I used to think Cabo was just an extension of Southern California, but I discovered how much more Baja had to offer. I felt the most at peace off the dirt roads in Pescadero, the most adventurous cliff jumping/hiking in the oasis of the Sierra de la Lagunas, the most exhilarated interacting with pelagic sharks in the Sea of Cortez, and the most free freedive spearfishing in the East Cape. I’ll be back to kite surf in La Ventana, road trip to explore Mulege/Loreto, dive in Cabo Pulmo, and most of all, to feel alive.
I found new favorite resorts like Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in San José del Cabo, just 10 minutes away from the Thursday night art walk in town and the various insta-famous farm-to-table dining scenes. And Paradero, the new adults-only boutique hotel set on a poblano pepper farm near Todos Santos where I took surfing lessons on Cerritos Beach, went on a guided sunset bike ride, and hiked amongst cacti in the desert.
I don’t know how to express my gratitude for everything you’ve given me this past year except to keep bringing people to you so they can share in the experience. I’m beyond thankful to all the people I’ve met along the way, who have accepted me judgement free, and for all the warm hospitality they’ve shown me and my clients. I will continue to support and respect your wonderful Baja community in every way.
Siempre,
Joni
